Expert: Martin Meyer - 6/13/2009

Question
QUESTION: My step-dad made us a beautiful wall clock and put the HERMLE Quartz 2214
movement in it.  It has been working fine, but the batteries needed replacing,
so I replaced them.  Since then the hands will not move around.  I have put
multiple sets of batteries in it, so I don't think it is the batteries. I also
pressed the button on the back to set the chime strike time.  It would start to
to keep time, but after about 10 minutes, the hands stop moving.  The
minute hand had been slipping, so I tightened it a bit, but other than that, no
other adjustments.

ANSWER: Hi Stephanie,

Quartz movements are sealed units and have no replaceable or repairable parts. If you have replaced the batteries with fresh alkaline batteries (not rechargeable or old-fashioned "heavy duty" carbon-zinc batteries), you have done all that you can. The symptoms that you describe sound very much like an internal problem in the gears.

This movement is usually not difficult to replace, however, and is available from clock supply houses. You must purchase a replacement movement with the same handshaft length.  http://www.clockmasteronline.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your quick response!

In thinking back, I did at first try to put rechargeable batteries in it, but the
clock wouldn't start.  So immediately put in fresh alkaline batteries.  Did I
mess this up by putting in the rechargeable batteries?

Also, since I didn't purchase the movement, how do I determin the correct
handshaft length and size?  Do I need to buy new hands as well?

Thanks,
Stephanie  

Answer
Hi again Stephanie,

The rechargeable batteries would not have hurt the clock, they just don't supply the proper voltage for it to run properly.

You must measure the handshaft length after you remove the movement from the clock. You should measure it accurately from its base, where it enters the movement, to its tip.

Your original hands will fit the new movement.  http://www.clockmasteronline.com